Filenews 12 January 2026 - by Evangelia Sizopoulou
Educational policies for the student are the first pillar that is part of the strategic goals of the Ministry of Education for 2026. These are policies that have been included in the Ministry's Annual Action Plan and which are estimated to have a cost, which reaches a total of €116.15 million. The aim of these policies and actions is to strengthen the offer of the public school, so that students receive modern and all-round education, which meets their needs.
Regarding these needs and challenges that exist, the Action Plan of the Ministry of Education records the following:
>> Improvement of learning outcomes, so that the education provided meets the needs and interests of students.
>> Cultivation of basic skills and development of creative and critical thinking, with the aim of all-round education of children.
>> Strengthening the digital and green transitions, with the aim of reducing inequalities in access to quality education.
>> Integration and utilization of technology in school units and in the administration of the educational system.
>> Empowerment and continuous professional development of human resources in education Design and implementation of modern evaluation systems for students, teachers and school units.
>> Internationalization and strengthening of higher education, so that the country becomes a regional academic and research center.
>> Adopt an effective system of coordination and monitoring of education policies.
In order to achieve the above, specific and targeted actions and interventions need to be designed and implemented.
The priorities of the competent Ministry for the new year have already been mapped and included in the Plan.
Specifically, the following are provided for the support of students:
>> Addressing skills mismatch between education and the labour market: Interventions such as the revision of Curricula, the development of new curricula, the upgrading of laboratories and the training of teachers are recorded for the desired result. In Higher Education, the aim is to align the needs of the labour market with the existing curricula.
>> Upgrading and improving the institution of All-Day School: By upgrading and improving the institution of the all-day school, by interconnecting it with the morning school, by increasing the number of optional all-day schools. It also provides for the updating/preparation of Curricula in Primary Education, the extension of the operating time of all-day schools and the evaluation of an institution in Secondary Education.
>> Evaluation and improvement of Special Education: In the context of this action, provision is made for the updating of legislation, the strengthening and enrichment of programs, transport and specialized equipment, the training of teachers in the use of differentiated material, the upgrading and institutionalization of the recruitment process for school assistants/escorts as well as the design and implementation of unified education legislation. Also, it is planned to include all Special Schools for the school year 2025 – 2026 in the institution of the summer school.
>> Code of Conduct against racism: Creation of an electronic incident recording tool and training of teachers and executives on this issue.
>> Integration of children with a migrant background: Strengthening the teaching of Greek as a second language to children with a migrant background, while at the same time recording the launch of the project "Greek in primary school: Support for teachers and third-country nationals".
>> Gender equality in education: Implementation of strategic planning actions for equality between men and women.
>> Prevention and treatment of violence and delinquency: Implementation of prevention and response measures within the school unit, while at the same time the pilot program with the school for alternative attendance and reintegration of students is recorded.
>> Dealing with addictions: Implementation of actions of the National Strategy (2021-2028) to deal with addictions in schools.
>> Combating sexual abuse: Implementation of actions of the National Strategy 2021-2023 and at the same time start of the planning for the formulation of the new National Strategy for this important issue.
>> Participation in international surveys: – Participation of teachers and students (TIMSS, PISA, PIRLS, TALIS) and public presentation and discussion of the results obtained.
>> Feeding vulnerable groups of the student population: Funding for the provision of breakfast continues.
>> Technical High School: For the new institution that started last September on a pilot basis in two schools, it is planned to upgrade classrooms and laboratories as well as ensure the necessary equipment.
>> "School and Social Inclusion Actions+" Program: Implementation, expansion and upgrading of the program.
>> National Strategy for Education for Sustainable Development: This action includes the completion of the review and consultation, the submission of a new strategy to the Council of Ministers and the building upgrade of the Environmental Education Centers.
>> Environmental educational program "Greening my school": Expansion of this pioneering program with the inclusion of new schools.
>> Combating sexual abuse: Formulation of a New National Strategy – Implementation of actions and policies for the protection of children and young people.
>> Smooth transition from Primary to Junior High School: Implementation and further development of the policy for the smooth transition of children from Primary to Secondary School (Action Plan of the Interdepartmental Committee), unification of Curricula, better preparation of students, smooth reception and integration of students, training of teachers, principals and inspectors and support in the emotional field.
>> Policy for gifted children: Dialogue and consultation will begin on this issue with the aim of designing a policy for the recognition and support of gifted children. Provision is also made for the further promotion of differentiated teaching.
>> Restoration and strengthening of the institution of the working week: The institution returns after several years. Expansion and enrichment of the existing program and planning for the restoration of the institution for the students of the second grade of Lyceum.
>> Upgrading of student councils: Implementation of provisions included in the Operating Regulations of schools and concerning student councils as well as preparation and sending of relevant instructions to schools.
>> Introduction of new topics: Pilot implementation of the introduction of Counselling and Vocational Education in 16 primary schools as well as expansion of the Financial Education and Literacy Program in all grades of Gymnasium.
As for the other strategic objectives included in the Annual Action Plan of the Ministry of Education, they are: Human resources, administrative structures/infrastructure, higher and lifelong education, sports and youth.
